Fish Tips

Hundreds of backwater streams zigzag along the west coast of Africa and eventually empty into the Zaire (Congo) River. These backwater stream environments fluctuate depending upon the rainy and dry seasons. During the dry season, these streams evaporate. During the rainy season, they swell and overflow their banks. This flooding covers the dense tropical vegetation and creates very acidic, tea colored water environment similar to some South American streams. Very unusual fish such as the freshwater flying fish (African Butterfly Fish), brightly colored Annual fish (Killiefish), and the dolphin like, sonar capable, Elephant Nose Fish are found here. Dark, reddish-brown to dark brown gravel is recommended to stimulate the natural substrate. Driftwood, pebbles and low-light plants should also be used to recreate this niche.

Water Conditions

Indigenous Fish Species

Rare or Unusual Fish Species

Indigenous Plant Species

Temperature

Congo Tetra

Rope Fish

Anubias Varigated Barteri

72-76° F

Gardneri Killiefish

Anubias Bateri Nana

Australae Killiefish

Anubias Congensis

pH Levels

Panchex Killiefish

Anubias Round leaf Nana

6.3-6.8

African Butterfly

Anubias Hastifolia

Elephant Nose

Water Hardness

Synodontias Catfish

Very Soft, 40-100 ppm

Upside Down Catfish

Recreating the EnvironmentA 30-gallon aquarium is recommended to recreate this particular niche. A smaller size could be used, but with fewer fish. Fill the tank with two (2) inches of water. Rinse the substrate (gravel/sand) and add it to the aquarium. Note: You will need approximately 1-1.5 lbs of gravel per gallon of water.

Once the substrate has been added, fill the tank half full of water. Next, add plants and driftwood to recreate your West Africa backwater stream environment. Refer to our diagram, in this handout, on how to landscape this niche. Don’t forget to protect the roots of your plants as you anchor them into the substrate. A safe method is to 'gently ball the roots into your hand and make a loose fist. Using this fist, burrow a pit in the substrate and gently unfold your hand, allowing the roots to spread out. Gently cover the roots with enough substrate to hold them down.

Finish filling the tank with water. Place either your hand or a rock under the water flow to prevent disturbing the gravel and the newly planted plants. Place the heater in the tank, but do not turn it on at this time. Allow the heater glass to acclimate to the water temperature in the aquarium for one (1) hour before plugging it in. You can camouflage the heater behind the driftwood and plants.

Filtration SystemEquip the aquarium with a filter system. If using an internal filter, place it in the tank towards the back and hide the filter using rocks. If an outside filter is being used, place it on the outside back of the tank, or under the aquarium. Hide the siphon tube, which draws water from the tank to the filter, with rocks. Put the thermometer in place, add water conditioner to the aquarium, and turn on the filtration system. After testing the pH and water hardness, necessary adjustments can be made by using proper aquarium chemicals to recreate Central River Water conditions.

Now place the aquarium top in position and make any adjustments (cut outs in back) to accommodate the heater, filter and cords. Turn on the heater and the light. An 8-10 hour light cycle is recommended (to help prevent algae). Make any final adjustments to the heater in order to stabilize a temperature between 72-76 degrees.

All newly set-up aquariums must go through a filter conditioning process in order to sustain fish life. (Please see our “New Tank Water Conditions” tip sheet for additional information.) It will take the water approximately 4-6 weeks to condition during which time only a small number of fish can be added to the tank. Once the aquarium has been set up and running for a minimum of 24 hours, six (6) 1. 5-inch fish per 10 gallons of water can be safely introduced. For this particular niche type, Congo tetras would be a good choice to start with. Over the next several weeks when water quality tests of ammonia and nitrite reach zero, more fish species can be added.

Feeding the FishFeeding the fish will vary depending upon the age of the aquarium. During the first 4-8 weeks, the fish should be fed a small, dime sized pinch of food once every other day. As the aquarium ages and conditions, 2-4 months of age, fish can be fed once a day. When the tank is over 4 months old, the fish can be fed several times a day. Remember to use small quantities of food at each feeding. Keep in mind that if food is passing the fish and reaching the bottom too much food has been fed at one time. Make sure only small pinches are added and completely consumed before putting in another small pinch.

Water ChangesPartial water changes are the single most important procedure you perform on your aquarium. Remove 20% of the water every two (2) weeks and replace it with fresh water that has been treated with a water-conditioning chemical.

AlgaeClean unsightly algae using an algae pad or a magnetic algae remover when necessary. Keep in mind that some algae left in the tank can be beneficial. It provides a food source for some fish, and also creates oxygen for the aquarium environment.